Bengaluru, June 9: Karnataka’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge has directed senior police officials to issue notices to all pubs, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants, and other establishments serving alcohol, mandating strict prohibitions on the entry of minors and serving them alcohol. This directive comes amid rising concerns over alcohol consumption and drug use among teenagers and youth in Bengaluru.
The Home Minister emphasized that Karnataka will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that enable or encourage underage drinking. “We must protect children and youth from the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Commercial establishments cannot prioritize profit over the safety and future of our youth. The rule is clear: no entry without identification. Strict action will be taken against any establishment that assists minors in consuming alcohol,” Kharge stated.
He urged parents, teachers, citizens, and establishment owners to cooperate with the police. An official statement from his office referenced a recent study conducted on 4,093 students from four educational institutions in Bengaluru, which found that one in three teenagers in the city is at risk of health problems due to alcohol or tobacco use.
The research, conducted by St. John’s Medical College, Christ University in Bengaluru, and Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, revealed that 33% of the surveyed youth consumed alcohol, while approximately 18% were addicted to tobacco. These figures are significantly higher than the national rates of 8.7% for tobacco use and 7.9% for alcohol consumption, as well as Karnataka’s reported rates of 4.7% for tobacco and 8.5% for alcohol.
The study also indicated that the average age for initiating alcohol consumption among Bengaluru’s teenagers is 17, with some reporting exposure as early as 8 years old. In light of these findings, the Home Minister instructed the police to regard underage drinking not only as a licensing violation but also as a significant concern for youth safety and public health.
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